Singapura cat breed profile
These small cats need lots of room to climb.
Whether your cat is a purebred Singapura or a Singapura mix, learning about their breed can explain a lot about your pet’s personality, habits and overall health. Or maybe you’re interested in adopting one and doing a bit of research ahead of time.
Singapura cats are lovingly called Island Cats after their original home: Singapore. In fact, the Singapura cat is a living national treasure of Singapore today. These cats are known for their petite stature but don’t let their small size fool you — they also have a big personality and an abundance of energy.
How big is a full-grown Singapura cat?
The Singapura cat breed is the smallest breed of cat. Adult females weigh as little as 4 pounds and typically don’t exceed 6 pounds. Adult male Singapura cats aren’t much bigger, weighing 6-to-8 pounds.
What is the personality of the Singapura cat breed?
The Singapura cat is a little package with lots of energy.
“These cats need enrichment, vertical territory and activity — they're not couch potatoes,” Marilyn Krieger, certified cat behavior consultant and owner of The Cat Coach, says. The more vertical space they have to climb, the happier they’ll be.
The typical Singapura is highly affectionate and forms strong bonds with their families. They’re clever and just a little mischievous. This social cat breed makes a great companion for other pets with proper introductions and socialization. But the breed can be a little challenging for a first-time cat owner, Krieger adds.
“Their people need to be able to spend time with them and interact with them,” Krieger says. Food puzzles, clicker training and interactive toys will help Singapura cats thrive at home. So, if you’re a homebody looking for a pet that will keep you busy, Singapura cats might be the right cat breed for you.
What do Singapura cats look like?
The most notable features of the Singapura cat breed are their big, wide eyes and large ears. Their short fur sheds minimally and comes in an agouti coat color — they display a ticked-tabby pattern with rich, sable-brown spots and cream-colored fur. Like other tabby cats, they have a signature “M” pattern on their foreheads.
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Common health conditions that affect Singapura cats
According to Krieger, Singapura cats aren’t known to have a high prevalence of genetic health conditions — but they're at risk of pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD). Your vet can screen for the disease and hopefully detect anything early so you can start care right away.
This spirited breed typically lives between 11-and-15 years with a well-balanced diet and routine vet visits.
Adopting a Singapura cat or kitten
Are you interested in adopting a Singapura cat, Singapura mix or any pet at all? We think every pet deserves a home and encourage you to check out our shelter partners when looking for your new best friend. And if you already have other cats, be sure to learn how to introduce new cats to your cats at home safely.
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The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
